Allahabad High Court: Married person living in live-in with adult not a crime

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Allahabad High Court has made an important observation regarding live-in relationships, stating that if a married man lives with an adult woman with her consent, it cannot be treated as a crime in itself. The court noted that moral standards in society and legal provisions are different and no criminal action can be taken unless there is a violation of law.

During the hearing, the division bench comprising Justice J.J. Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena ordered an interim stay on the arrest of the petitioner couple and directed police to provide them protection as they were facing threats to their lives.

The court also issued strict directions to the woman’s family restraining them from harassing the couple in any form including physical contact, phone calls or messages. It further instructed the Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police to ensure their safety stating that protecting adult individuals is the responsibility of the police.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s Shakti Vahini judgment, the High Court reiterated that clear guidelines already exist in cases related to honour-related violence and must be followed strictly. The matter will be heard again on April 8 with responses sought from both sides.